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Dark One

Matia was barely an hour outside the city gates when she heard the thunder of hooves coming from the woods beside the road. She turned Stormheart and drew her sword as her soul cringed. She knew there was no more point in running. Kaska would chase her to the edge of the world.

Warbringer burst from the forest in a surge of velvet muscle, Kaska on his back, his expression grim. She watched him draw rein with dread in her heart. "I can't let you leave, Matia."

She sighed. "Kaska, don't make me do this."

He studied her face, his gaze level and intent. "Is it the sacrifice you fear?"

Matia shook her head. "Nay. In truth, if it were not for my oath, I would take pleasure in submitting to whatever you chose to do. But..." She made a helpless gesture. "I have given my oath to the goddess. I will not break it, no matter how my body burns for yours."

"I love you, Matia." The glitter of his blue eyes demanded her belief. "I'll give up the sacrifice. Indeed, I'd give up my god himself to keep you. Just stay."

Her spirit leaped, then collapsed into a tight, miserable ball as she realized how hopeless it was. "Ah, Kaska, my heart is yours. Perhaps it has been from the moment you saved me from those thieves. But what would either of us be if we threw away our oaths?"

"I will not give you up, Matia." His gaze went grim. "Even if I must steal you from your goddess to have you."

She winced, though she'd expected no less. "I will not be so easily taken, Kaska."

"I know." He drew his sword, swung a leg over Warbringer's neck, and slid neatly off his mount to land in a battle stance.